Big Bang Theory's Mayim Bialik Addresses One Of The Show's Biggest Critiques
"The Big Bang Theory" first debuted in CBS's fall 2007 lineup and became a massive hit for the network. By the time it concluded in 2019 after 12 seasons, it had become one of the top five shows on television in terms of total viewership (via Deadline) and a ratings behemoth in syndication (via Broadcasting & Cable). Following some growing pains during the first few seasons, the show certainly found its footing, with viewers soon finding Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Leonard's (Johnny Galecki) nerdery endearing and the writers having improved at exploring the interpersonal relationships between characters.
However, this is not to say that the show didn't face criticism. There has been backlash for the way Sheldon is coded as autistic but is never diagnosed (via The Daily Campus), and News18 describes the show's treatment of women as "blatant misogyny" that indulges in sexist tropes. One aspect of the show was brought up so frequently that the critique was recently addressed by co-star Mayim Bialik.
Bernadette's high voice doesn't fit the traditional image of a scientist, and that's a good thing
Bernadette Rostenkowski (Melissa Rauch), introduced in Season 3, has several key characteristics: her love for Howard (Simon Helberg), a penchant for controlling behavior, and a noticeably high speaking voice. Some longtime "Big Bang Theory" viewers are not fans of her voice and have argued that it's simply annoying (via Reddit). However, Mayim Bialik, who played Amy Farrah Fowler on the sitcom, recently spoke up in defense of Rauch's performance on the podcast TV's Top 5.
Bialik commented while guesting on the podcast that one of the reasons for Bernadette's high pitch is representation: "She played ... a molecular biologist type. And I think it's really important to point out that women with 'voices' like the voice that Melissa would put on, that's not a voice you would normally associate with 'That's a scientist woman.'"
The "Jeopardy!" host herself is a neuroscientist (via NPR), so it makes sense that she'd want better representation of female scientists on-screen. Bernadette serves as a good example of how professionals in "geekier" fields don't have to fit into the stereotypes to succeed.